GOV. CULVER ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
DATELINE: DES MOINES, Iowa
Gov. Chet Culver, D-Iowa, has issued the following news release:
Today, Governor Chet Culver announced the launch of the Innovation and Commercialization Internship Program, an effort aimed at connecting undergraduate students with existing and emerging biosciences, advanced manufacturing and information technology companies statewide.
Last session, the legislature and Governor Culver approved H.F. 829, appropriating almost half a million dollars a year for targeted industries internships in fiscal year 2008.
"Iowa's targeted industries are positioned for major growth and job creation in the short and long-term," said Governor Culver. "We must do all we can to help our workforce keep pace with Iowa's growing economy. These funds will connect our companies with Iowa students and keep our economy moving forward."
Awards are available up to $3,100 for any single internship. A company can apply for a maximum of three internships or a maximum $9,300 award per company. Students hired as interns will be paid at least twice the minimum wage.
According to current state projections, Iowa faces a "jobs surplus" of more than 150,000 highly-skilled positions within the next five years. State officials believe internship programs can help retain Iowa students in the state by exposing them to job opportunities.
"Iowa companies are working harder than ever before to find and hire workers with the right skills," said Michael Tramontina, Director of the Department of Economic Development. "A study conducted by the Knowledge Industry Partnership shows that students with internship experience were twice as likely to stay in a state than those graduates who had no internship experience. This internship program will connect Iowa students with Iowa companies, help our companies to grow and keep our talented young people here in Iowa."
The program is for students at Iowa's private and public colleges, community colleges and universities. Iowa-based companies with fewer than 500 employees with a significant portion employed within the state of Iowa are eligible. The company must be engaged in one of the targeted industries of biosciences, advanced manufacturing or information technology. Program funds are available for summer 2008 internships.
To learn more, visit the link for "Innovation and Commercialization Programs" at http://www.iowalifechanging.com/business.